Discover Rehoboth Beach - Delaware's Coastal Gem

Day 1: Boardwalk Welcome & Classic Tastes

• Morning (9:30 AM - 12:30 PM) Arrive in Rehoboth Beach and check into your accommodation. Head straight to the iconic Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk, roughly a 5-15 minute walk depending on your hotel’s proximity to Rehoboth Avenue. Start with a refreshing coffee and pastry at The Coffee Mill (121 Rehoboth Ave), a local favorite, costing approximately $15 for two. Afterwards, embark on a leisurely stroll along the historic boardwalk. Enjoy the ocean breeze, the sounds of the waves, and the vibrant atmosphere. Take in the classic sights like the Rehoboth Beach Bandstand and the arcades. This is a free activity and allows you to get acquainted with the heart of Rehoboth.
• Afternoon (12:30 PM - 5:30 PM) For a quintessential Rehoboth lunch, grab a slice (or two!) of pizza from Grotto Pizza (7 Rehoboth Ave on the boardwalk), a local institution. Expect to spend around $25-35 for two, including drinks. After lunch, find your perfect spot on the sand for some relaxing beach time. The beach is directly accessible from the boardwalk and is free to enjoy. Spend the afternoon swimming, sunbathing, reading, or simply watching the waves. Don’t forget sunscreen!
• Evening (6:00 PM onwards) Freshen up and head out for dinner at Nicola Pizza (8 N 1st St), famous for its “Nic-o-Boli” and classic Italian-American fare. It’s about a 5-minute walk from the main boardwalk area. Dinner for two, including drinks, will be around $45-65. After dinner, embrace the nostalgia at Funland (210 Delaware Ave), an amusement park on the boardwalk (seasonal, check hours, usually open late spring-early fall). Enjoy some classic arcade games or a gentle ride or two. Allocate about $20-30 for game tokens or ride tickets. Cap off the night with a romantic evening stroll along the illuminated boardwalk.

Day 2: Coastal Exploration & Culinary Delights

• Morning (8:30 AM - 12:00 PM) Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Egg & Hash (324 Rehoboth Ave), known for its delicious breakfast sandwiches and classic diner options. Expect to pay around $30-40 for two. After breakfast, venture off the immediate boardwalk area to explore Rehoboth Avenue’s charming boutiques and art galleries. It’s a pleasant 5-15 minute walk from most points on the avenue to the boardwalk. Browse unique shops like Browseabout Books (133 Rehoboth Ave) or pick up some local treats. This is largely a free activity, though you might find a souvenir or two!
• Afternoon (12:00 PM - 5:30 PM) Enjoy a casual lunch at Lil’ Bitta My Kitchen (33937 Rte 1, Suite 4 - Correction: This is off the main drag, let’s keep it more central. Instead, consider a grab-and-go from a deli or another boardwalk spot. Let’s go with Boardwalk Plaza Hotel’s Beach Arcade Snack Bar for a quick and easy option, or pack a picnic. For a more substantial sit-down option close to Rehoboth Ave: Dogfish Head Brewings & Eats (320 Rehoboth Ave) offers great pub fare and craft beer, around $40-60 for two. Following lunch, head back to the beach for more relaxation or consider a round of miniature golf at Ryan’s Mini Golf (101 N Boardwalk), costing about $20 for two.
• Evening (6:30 PM onwards) Indulge in a slightly more upscale dinner experience at Summer House (228 Rehoboth Ave), a lively spot with a diverse menu and a great atmosphere. Reservations are recommended. Expect to spend $90-120 for two, including drinks. After dinner, enjoy a scenic walk along the beach as the sun sets, capturing beautiful photos and enjoying the tranquil evening. If you’re up for a sweet treat, grab a scoop of homemade ice cream from Kohr Bros. Frozen Custard (107 N Boardwalk) for around $10-15.

Day 3: Sweet Farewell & Lasting Memories

• Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM) Savor your last Rehoboth breakfast at Rehoboth Beach Bagel Shop (337 Rehoboth Ave), a local favorite for fresh bagels and coffee. Budget $20-30 for two. After breakfast, take some time for last-minute souvenir shopping on Rehoboth Avenue or the boardwalk. Perhaps grab a famous salt water taffy from Dolle’s Candyland (5 Rehoboth Ave), a sweet treat to remember your trip (around $10-20). Enjoy one final leisurely walk on the beach, collecting shells or simply breathing in the ocean air.
• Afternoon (12:00 PM - 2:30 PM) For your farewell lunch, enjoy another boardwalk classic: fresh-cut fries from Thrashers French Fries (multiple locations on the boardwalk), perhaps paired with a hot dog from a nearby stand. This will be a quick, delicious, and budget-friendly option, costing around $20-30 for two. Take one last look at the ocean, soak in the last moments of your “Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk Bliss” experience, and begin your journey home.
• Evening (Departure) Depart from Rehoboth Beach, carrying sweet memories of your coastal getaway.

Day 1: Boardwalk Bliss & Downtown Delights

• Morning (9:30 AM - 1:00 PM) Begin your Rehoboth adventure with a classic experience. Start with a leisurely stroll along the Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk, soaking in the ocean air and lively atmosphere. The boardwalk spans approximately 1 mile. This activity is free and offers fantastic views. Afterward, find a spot on the wide, sandy Rehoboth Beach to relax, dip your toes in the Atlantic, or simply enjoy the sunshine.
  • Practical Tips: Parking can be challenging in Rehoboth. Metered street parking and municipal lots are available, typically costing $3-4 per hour or $15-20 for a full day. Consider parking further out and utilizing the local Jolly Trolley (seasonal) or walking.
• Afternoon (1:00 PM - 5:30 PM) For lunch, indulge in a Rehoboth tradition: a bucket of Thrasher’s French Fries straight from a boardwalk stand. Expect to pay around $10 for a large bucket for two. Following lunch, head inland to explore Downtown Rehoboth Avenue. Browse the eclectic mix of boutiques, art galleries, and souvenir shops. If visiting during the summer season and you’re feeling nostalgic, spend some time at Funland (210 Rehoboth Ave), enjoying classic amusement park rides or arcade games. Rides cost $1-3 each; budget $20-40 if you plan to play.
• Evening For dinner, enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and delicious food at Dogfish Head Brewings & Eats (320 Rehoboth Ave), a local institution known for its innovative pub fare and craft beers. It’s about a 0.5-mile walk from the boardwalk. Expect to pay $70-100 for two, including drinks. After dinner, take a final evening stroll along the illuminated Boardwalk, perhaps grabbing a sweet treat like frozen custard from Kohr Bros. (multiple boardwalk locations) for $10-15.

Day 2: Coastal Gems & Fortified Shores

• Morning (9:00 AM - 1:00 PM) Drive north to Cape Henlopen State Park (42 Cape Henlopen Dr, Lewes, DE), a scenic 15-20 minute drive (8-10 miles) from Rehoboth. The park entrance fee is $10 per vehicle for out-of-state visitors. Once inside, immerse yourselves in history at the Fort Miles Historic Area, exploring the WWII-era batteries and climbing the iconic Observation Tower for breathtaking panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and Delaware Bay. Afterward, find a secluded spot on the beach at “The Point” within the park, where the bay meets the ocean, perfect for birdwatching or quiet relaxation.
• Afternoon (1:00 PM - 5:30 PM) After leaving the park, head into Lewes for a fresh seafood lunch at the Lewes Oyster House (101 Second St, Lewes, DE). Anticipate spending $50-80 for two. Post-lunch, return south towards Rehoboth and rent bicycles from a local shop like Rehoboth Cycle Sports (20 Rehoboth Ave) or Atlantic Cycle (180 Rehoboth Ave). Renting bikes for a half-day costs approximately $25-35 per person. Cycle along the scenic Gordons Pond Trail, a paved section of the Junction and Breakwater Trail, offering stunning views through coastal forests and wetlands.
• Evening Indulge in an exquisite dinner at Henlopen City Oyster House (50 Wilmington Ave, Rehoboth Beach), renowned for its fresh oysters and sophisticated seafood dishes. This will be a more upscale dining experience, costing around $90-130 for two with drinks. Conclude your day with a relaxing walk on the beach, perhaps catching the last hues of the sunset.

Day 3: Historic Lewes Charm & Canal Views

• Morning (9:30 AM - 1:00 PM) Embark on a charming excursion to the historic town of Lewes, located about 8 miles (20 minutes) north of Rehoboth. Begin at the unique Zwaanendael Museum (102 Kings Hwy, Lewes), a replica of the city hall in Hoorn, Netherlands, commemorating Delaware’s first European settlement. Admission is free, and you’ll spend about 1 hour here. Afterward, wander down Second Street, browsing the quaint boutiques, art galleries, and admiring the historic architecture. Don’t miss the Ryves Holt House, the oldest house in Delaware (exterior viewing, occasional interior tours).
• Afternoon (1:00 PM - 5:30 PM) For lunch, experience the vibrant flavors of Mexico at Agave Mexican Restaurant (137 2nd St, Lewes, DE). This popular spot is known for its delicious food and lively atmosphere, so be prepared for a potential wait. Expect to pay $50-75 for two. After lunch, drive to the Cape May-Lewes Ferry Terminal (43 Cape Henlopen Dr, Lewes) to watch the impressive ferries depart and arrive, enjoying expansive views of the Delaware Bay. Finish your afternoon with a peaceful stroll through Lewes Canalfront Park, offering scenic views along the Lewes-Rehoboth Canal.
• Evening Head back to Rehoboth for dinner at Crust & Craft (18784 Coastal Hwy, Rehoboth Beach), a highly-rated restaurant specializing in Neapolitan-style pizzas and craft beers. Budget $60-90 for two with drinks. For a lively end to the evening, consider checking local listings for live music at venues like The Purple Parrot Grill (134 Rehoboth Ave) in Rehoboth or The Starboard (2000 Coastal Hwy, Dewey Beach), a short 10-minute drive south, known for its vibrant atmosphere.

Day 4: Southern Shores & Retail Therapy

• Morning (9:00 AM - 1:00 PM) Take a scenic drive south along Coastal Highway (DE-1) from Rehoboth. Pass through Dewey Beach (about 5 minutes south), known for its watersports and lively nightlife, before continuing another 25 minutes (approx. 12-15 miles total from Rehoboth) to Bethany Beach. Enjoy a quieter, family-friendly atmosphere as you stroll its charming boardwalk and browse the local shops. For a more secluded natural experience, you can continue further south to Fenwick Island State Park (37001 Coastal Hwy, Fenwick Island, DE), offering pristine beaches and dune habitats. Entry to Fenwick Island State Park is $10 per vehicle for out-of-state visitors.
• Afternoon (1:00 PM - 5:30 PM) Enjoy an exquisite bayside lunch at Bluecoast Seafood Grill + Raw Bar (30115 Coastal Hwy, Bethany Beach), offering fresh seafood and beautiful views. Expect to pay $60-90 for two. On your return trip north to Rehoboth, dedicate some time to tax-free shopping at the Tanger Outlets Rehoboth Beach. There are three distinct locations (Bayside, Midway, Seaside) along Coastal Highway, offering a wide array of brand-name stores. Plan for 2-3 hours of browsing.
• Evening Treat yourselves to a memorable dinner at Salt Air (50 Wilmington Ave, Rehoboth Beach), a top-rated farm-to-table restaurant focusing on fresh, seasonal, and locally sourced coastal cuisine. This will be your most upscale meal, budgeting $100-140 for two with drinks. Conclude your day with a delicious gourmet ice cream from Hopkins Farm Creamery (near the outlets) or Kilwin’s Chocolates & Ice Cream (Rehoboth Ave) for $10-15, followed by a relaxed evening walk.

Day 5: Last Bites & Farewell Beach Views

• Morning (9:30 AM - 12:30 PM) Savor your final morning in Rehoboth with a leisurely walk along the beach, perhaps collecting some last-minute shells or simply enjoying the tranquil sound of the waves. Afterward, head to Crystal Restaurant (620 Rehoboth Ave), a beloved local diner known for its hearty and classic breakfast and brunch options. Expect to pay $40-50 for two. Dedicate any remaining time to some last-minute souvenir shopping along Rehoboth Avenue or the boardwalk to bring a piece of Coastal Delaware home with you. Budget $30-50 for souvenirs.
• Afternoon (12:30 PM onwards) Enjoy a relaxed departure from Rehoboth Beach. Depending on your travel schedule, you might have time for a final cup of coffee at a local cafe before making your way home, carrying wonderful memories of your Coastal Delaware exploration. Allow ample time for traffic, especially if departing on a weekend during peak season.